Oh, October!

The month is almost over, but what a fun month it's been! The weather is warm, the leaves have been absolutely spectacular this year, and we're busy but blessed.

Derek changed shifts this month, and we're all adjusting to it. The first quarter of the school year has ended, and the boys sure are thriving in their schools. I am thankful for that. Freshman football has ended, while marching band ends after tonight's performance. It's sad to see these events end, but I know it would be unrealistic for Braylen to continue marching into the winter. And so we'll transition out of these things and into new seasons. Derek's been helping some friends of ours with their harvest, and I've been subbing at the school when I can--seems like we always need more money these days. Derek took Kaleb and Aaron to ride with him in the tractor, one at a time, and those were special times. He also took Kaleb target shooting. Yes, hunting season will be here very soon.

This past week Derek and I were able to get away together for an afternoon, since Braylen's last football game was out of town. It was a fast trip, but SO great to be able to do together. We talked about plans for Christmas, and all the changes happening in our home as our kids keep getting older. Kaleb and Aaron impressed us with their ability to stay home and be responsible. Thanks to Grandma, they didn't have to eat dinner on their own. But they were able to spend the evening at home alone and were ready for bed when we came back. I can hardly remember the days when we needed to arrange for a babysitter. That is a huge thing to be thankful for with older kids. :)

This is our last week mowing lawns...finally...and we are all ready for that chore to end. Aaron is fighting a cold and has some laryngitis. I feel bad for him, but his voice sounds cute. :) Halloween costumes are ready and I think this is the funniest costume Kaleb's ever had. He is so good at impersonations--both vocal and in character--so this year's costume works really well for him.

On Tuesday we had a bit of a family emergency involving our extended family here in town. All is okay now, but I just want a record of this moment in my blog. So often we make plans to do this or that, go here and go there, and yet it can all change in an instant. It makes me take a step back and ask myself what really matters--and what really doesn't. What is fulfilling and what is just filling my time?

Like last month, half of my pictures are on my phone. So here's what I have for today's post. Next time I'll post the phone pictures. And I have one funny from Aaron. I used to have more--why do they have to grow up and not give me funnies anymore?!! Oh well, here's one at least!

Aaron and Derek were looking at the stars in the sky while out at the farm. Aaron says to Derek, "I can see John the Baptist!" Derek asks him where in the sky does he see John the Baptist? Aaron replies, "See, Dad? There's his belt." Derek looks up and says, "You mean, Orion?" Aaron says, "Oh yeah, I get those guys confused." :) HA!

Aaron finished his full marathon this fall! 26.2 miles! (not all at once of course)
He is the first one in our family to do that.

Kaleb made this tote bag in Family Consumer Science Class. He got an A+!

The Drumline played for an elementary school in town on National Walk to School Day.

The team takes a knee after a home victory. Braylen is #24.

Happy :)

Ready for a night of marching

At this football game two of Derek's cousins were refereeing the game.
One of them is pictured here next to Braylen. This was our favorite game of the season.

The refs couldn't make our picture, but our other family attending Braylen's game could!

This is how the boys huddled before plays. Every time.

Braylen ready for the ball.

Finally, a picture with me. :)

One afternoon I turned these apples from our tree at the lake into...

...applesauce! This is my second batch.

This time he stands by the football sign.

Kaleb made this banana bread in FCS Class. Yum!

Yesterday Aaron received his trophy for running his marathon. 

And that's it!